Light trap for insects

ABSTRACT

Several embodiments of an insect trap using attractant light displayed on a projection surface are disclosed. The insect trap can be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall or on a horizontal surface such as a ceiling. The trap has a light source configured to direct substantially all light from the source to the projection surface. Insects attracted by the light pattern on the projection surface are immobilized on an adhesive surface. A method of trapping insects is also disclosed.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/604,488filed Jun. 27, 2000; which is continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/250,932filed Feb. 18, 1999, now abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.No. 08/686,432 filed Jul. 26, 1996, now abandoned; which is acontinuation of U.S. Ser. No. 08/342,904 filed Nov. 21, 1994, nowabandoned; which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No.08/000,264 filed Jan. 4, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,365,690, dated Nov.22, 1994.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to an illuminated trap adapted to attractflying insects and immobilize the insect with a lethal surface. The trapuses a source of insect attractant light directed to a projectionsurface in combination with a preferred enclosure or housingconfiguration to increase the capture rate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A number of flying insect traps using attractant light sourceshave been proposed in the prior art. However, the prior art traps haveutilized a light source which is exposed and therefore directly viewed.The Insect-O-Cutor fly traps made by I-O-C use an exposed bulb with ahigh voltage electrocuting system. Pickens and Thimijan disclose exposedUV-emitting light sources and electrified grids for trapping andelectrocuting flying insects.

[0004] Another trap system generally uses frontally or horizontallyexposed ultraviolet black lights for attracting insects to the trap. Inthe trap the insect lands on an electric grid in the rear of thecabinet. The grid provides a low voltage pulse that causes the insect tofly down onto a nontoxic adhesive trapping board. The captured insectcan then be disposed of with the removable adhesive sheet. Grothaus etal., U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,126, discloses an exposed bulb adhesive trap.Lazzeroni, Sr. et al., U.S. Design Pat. No. 325,954, discloses agenerally front-facing, exposed bulb trap. Aiello et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,959,923, is related to Lazzeroni, Sr. et al., U.S. Design Pat. No.325,954. The Aiello device uses pulsed electricity to stun insects,coupled with an adhesive trap and an ultraviolet light source.Similarly, Gilbert insect light traps use exposed bulbs and generallyfront facing entry spaces for fly trapping purposes. Hollingsworth andHartstack, Jr. disclose data relating to the efficiency of variouscomponents of exposed bulb fly traps.

[0005] Larkin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,501, and the ARP Venus Flylite systemdisclose the use of an attractant light source. The light source and itshousing are hinged on a wall attachment means such that the unit ismovable between two positions. In the first position or vertical mode,the light source is parallel to the vertical surface and is placed at anangle of 90 to the horizontal surface. In this so-called “invisiblemode”, used during business hours, the trap is designed to keep theoperational components of the fly trap out of sight. When placed in thesecond position, the fly trap is in a “turbo” mode wherein the lightsource and housing are perpendicular to the vertical surface andhorizontal to the floor (or at an angle greater than 90 to the verticalsurface). This turbo position exposes the light directly to view, whichis asserted to increase insect attraction.

[0006] White, U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,822, discloses a flying insect unitcomprising a rectangular housing enclosing a light source, an optionaltop and an adhesive trapping surface. The housing components are eitherparallel to or perpendicular to the vertical mounting surface. The Whiteunit is designed for attraction to and entry of the insects through abottom opening.

[0007] In our work modeling light attractant fly traps, we have foundthat the geometry of these prior art light traps neither displays theattractant light to the maximum advantage, nor exhibits the best designfor optimizing entry of the insects. Another difficulty with prior artdesigns is that they are unattractive and/or too large for mounting inmany locations. In most situations, it is undesirable for people torealize that an insect trap is in operation, especially in restaurantsettings. However, many of the prior art designs are so large andunattractive that the presence of the insect trap is noticed.Furthermore, it is often difficult for the user to find a convenient andunobtrusive location for the prior art insect traps, particularly whenit is necessary to supply electric power to the trap.

[0008] The insect trap of the present invention is designed to addressmany of the difficulties present with prior insect trapping devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a trap for insect pests, comprising abase, a source of insect attractant light, and an insect immobilizationmeans. A method of using the insect trap is another aspect of theinvention. The trap is mounted such that the insect attractant lightradiated from the source cannot be directly viewed. In oneconfiguration, the insect trap is mounted to a vertical, planar surface,such as a wall. In another configuration, the insect trap is mounted toa horizontal, planar surface such as a ceiling, floor or shelf. Thesurfaces provide a projection surface for receiving insect attractantlight radiated from the source.

[0010] The trap's base may include a wall forming a housing the wallhaving an angled surface. The angled surface of the trap is 90, lessthan 90, or about 45-75, from the base surface.

[0011] The insect trap includes an insect immobilization means. In oneembodiment, the immobilization means is positioned within the trap'shousing, and the dead insects are captured within the housing. Theimmobilization surface is preferably a removable adhesive sheet.Alternatively, the immobilization means may be a pesticide, a mechanicaltrap, a liquid trap, or an electric grid.

[0012] In another embodiment, the insect immobilization means comprisesan insecticide which is applied to a surface inside and/or outside theinsect trap. The insects are attracted to the treated surface because ofthe trap's effective display of attractant light. With the latterembodiment, the insect contacts or ingests the insecticide and dieselsewhere at a later point in time.

[0013] Whereas prior art traps have sought to attract insects bydirecting light from the source into the surrounding environment, theinsect trap of the present invention instead shields the light sourcefrom view and directs substantially all of the light to the projectionsurface. With the present invention, the radiated light is directedtoward a nearby surface, which creates an illumination area upon theprojection surface. This illumination area is aesthetically pleasing,yet effective in attracting and trapping insect pests. We have furtherfound that a color contrast between the projection surface, and theexterior of the adjacent fly trap's housing, also serves to increasecapture rates.

[0014] The light source can be a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp,a laser, a light emitting diode, an array of such diodes and the like. Aportion of the radiated light should have a wavelength in the range of3500 Å to 4000 Å. This is commonly known as the near ultra violet rangeand is particularly attractive to flying insects. The source can be atubular fluorescent lamp having a linear shape or a curved shape, a bulbshape or any shape in which lamps can be formed.

[0015] The light source can be partially covered to direct substantiallyall of the insect attractant light to the projection surface. Thecovering may be a coating or a shroud proximate the light source. Thecoating or shroud may be opaque or translucent. Partially covering thelight source tends to increase the amount of light directed to theprojection surface, and to minimize the contribution of reflected lightfrom trap surfaces. The resulting light display effectively andefficiently attracts insects.

[0016] An advantage of the present invention is its effectiveness incapturing flying insects. Insects are of concern in any setting, butparticularly in restaurants, cafeterias, and other settings in whichfood is present. The insect trap unobtrusively captures insects, withoutemitting any sound or odor. The enhanced capture rates are experiencedeven with the smaller-sized preferred embodiments of the insect trap.Although one skilled in the art would suspect that a smaller insect trapand correspondingly smaller entry opening would drastically reduce thecapture rates, we have discovered that the capture rates for the smallersized units are much higher than expected.

[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is that its design canbe aesthetically pleasing. When mounted upon a wall, the insect traphaving a housing and the associated illumination zone create anaesthetically pleasing appearance similar to a decorative wall sconce.When mounted upon the ceiling, the insect trap is essentially out ofsight and not noticeable. The trap may be mounted on the ceiling andproject an insect attractant light pattern on a wall. Likewise, the trapmay be mounted on a wall to project an insect attractant light patternon the ceiling. Since the mounting surface and projection surface may bethe same or different surfaces, there is great flexibility in theplacement of the trap. Indeed, the location of the trap can be chosen sothat restaurant patrons and others are not aware of its actual purpose.

[0018] Yet another advantage of the present invention is its ease ofuse. The trap can be readily mounted to a wall, ceiling, or othersuitable surface. The trap needs to be checked only occasionally fordisposal of insects and replacement of the immobilization means. In oneembodiment, the insect trap's housing is pivotally mounted upon thewall, ceiling, or other support surface. This feature facilitatessubstitution of the insect immobilization surface, replacement ofburned-out light bulbs, and routine maintenance and cleaning of theapparatus.

[0019] These features, along with other advantages, will becomesubsequently apparent, based on the details of construction andoperation as more fully described hereinafter, reference being made tothe accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like partsthroughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the insecttrap, showing the cooperative association of the light source, thehousing, the reflective surface, the immobilization surface and themounting means.

[0021]FIG. 2 is a side elevation, cross sectional view of the insecttrap shown in FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective, schematic view of the insect trap andassociated light display.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating two illumination zones fora first, large-sized embodiment of the insect trap.

[0024]FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating two illumination zones fora second, medium-sized embodiment of the insect trap.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating two illumination zones fora third, small-sized embodiment of the insect trap.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the insecttrap of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the insecttrap of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the insecttrap of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the seventh embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the ninth embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tenth embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the eleventh embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the twelfth embodiment of theinsect trap of the present invention.

[0035]FIGS. 16A and 16B are photographs of the second embodiment of theInsect Trap, depicting the illumination zone produced by a insect trapof the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment, takenalong line 17-17 of FIG. 9.

[0037]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the eleventh embodiment,taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 14.

[0038]FIG. 19 is a side view of the thirteenth embodiment of the insecttrap of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the thirteenth embodiment of theinsect trap.

[0040]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of a fourteenthembodiment of the insect trap.

[0041]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of a fifteenthembodiment of the insect trap.

[0042]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of a sixteenthembodiment of the insect trap.

[0043]FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional, schematic view of a seventeenthembodiment of the insect trap.

[0044]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an eighteenth embodiment of theinvention showing the cooperative association of a partly covered lightsource, a base and an immobilization surface.

[0045]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the partly covered light sourceof FIG. 25.

[0046]FIG. 27 is an end elevation, cross sectional view of the lightsource shown in FIG. 26.

[0047]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a shroud for providing a coveringfor a light source.

[0048]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a nineteenth embodiment of theinvention showing the cooperative association of a partly covered lightsource, a housing and a projection surface.

[0049]FIG. 30 is a side elevation, cross sectional view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 29.

[0050]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a twentieth embodiment of theinvention showing the cooperative association of two partly coveredlight sources, a housing and a projection surface.

[0051]FIG. 32 is a side elevation, cross sectional view of theembodiment shown in FIG. 31.

[0052]FIG. 33 is perspective view of a partly covered U-shaped lightsource.

[0053]FIG. 34 is an end elevation, cross sectional view of the lightsource shown in FIG. 33.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] The first embodiment of the insect trap is indicated generally at5 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The insect trap 5 comprises a housing 11 operativelyattached to a light source 16, an insect immobilization surface 12, anda mounting means 10. In the preferred embodiment, the insect trap 5 ismounted upon a vertical, planar surface, such as a wall 20. (Thereference numeral 20 designates both the wall which is enclosed by theinsect trap 5, and the wall surrounding the trap 5). The insect trap'shousing 11 has a pair of opposite side walls 25, between which extends afront wall 26. The housing walls 25, 26 may have relatively smallcutouts or openings therein (not shown).

[0055] The walls 25, 26 of the housing 11 define an upwardly directedopening 27. The opening 27 facilitates the walking or flying entry ofinsect pests. The insect trap 5 also includes a bottom wall 29. Thebottom wall 29 is preferably horizontal, and it has a continuous surfacewhich contains no apertures. In the preferred embodiment, the edges ofthe fly trap 5 adjacent to the vertical surface 20 are configured tomatch the vertical surface 20. The trap's housing 11 encloses theillumination source 16 on three sides, and the vertical surface 20completes the enclosure. Alternatively, the trap's housing 11 couldentirely enclose the light source 16, with the housing's rear wall (notshown) resting against the wall 20.

[0056] Light from the light source 16 radiates and reflects directlyfrom the upwardly facing opening 27 of the trap 5 into a space generallyabove the trap 5 and onto wall surface 20 and ceiling surface (not shownin FIG. 1) above the trap 5. The wall and/or ceiling areas which receivethe light are referred to herein as the projection surface. When thetrap 5 is mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall 20, it can bemounted at virtually any height. Preferably, the insect trap 5 of theinvention is installed in a location which is at or above eye level. Theillumination source 16 is located near the top of the trap 5, inside thehousing 11 and adjacent to the vertical surface 20.

[0057] The light source 16 useful in the fly trap 5 of the inventioncomprises a lamp radiating a portion of its light in the nearultraviolet wave length range of 3500 Å to 4000 Å. Such light sourcesare commonly incandescent or fluorescent electrically driven lightsources that can emit a broad spectrum of wavelengths but are primarilyoptimized to emit ultraviolet light. For the purposes of this invention,ultraviolet light comprises radiation having wavelengths that have beenfound to attract flying insect species, between about 4000 Å and 400 Å.The light sources commonly provide from about 0.5 to about 100 watts oflight output; preferably, the lights provide from about 0.5 to about 75watts. The light source may have a variety of shapes without affectingthe invention. For example, the light source may have a linear, bent orcircular tubular shape, an arc lamp shape, a globular shape, and thelike. Preferred light sources 16 are fluorescent lamps having from aboutone to about forty watts per tube unit. The trap 5 can use a singlesource or two or more sources horizontally or vertically arranged in thehousing 11. The optimum light source needed to create an effectiveillumination zone for insect attractancy will depend upon the size andconfiguration of the trap housing and/or reflective surfaces, thewattage of the illumination source(s), and the degree to which the lightis focused upon the projection surface.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 25 and 29-32 the light source 16 mayconsist of one, two or multiple horizontal fluorescent lamps. Two ormore lamps may be mounted vertically or horizontally in a parallelrelationship. In the preferred embodiment, the light sources 16 aremounted so as to be below the upper edge 71 of the housing 11. The lightsource 16 is therefore substantially enclosed within the housing 11. Inthis manner, the insect trap 5 is mounted such that the light source 16is not visible from eye level for people in the vicinity of the insecttrap 5. The light source 16 can be directly viewed only by lookingdownwardly into the insect trap 5. The light fixture 30 for receivingthe light source 16 can be designed for service or household power orfor battery power using electronic conversion circuits adapted to drivethe light source. The light fixture 30 can be mounted within the housing11 with standard plug-in units. Preferably, the lamps 16 are fluorescentultraviolet sources in sockets 17 that are commonly attached tohousehold or service power.

[0059] The illumination source 16 can be mounted directly on the housing11 or can be mounted on the vertical surface 20 surrounded by thehousing 11. Preferably, the light source 16 is mounted on a fixture 30attached to the wall 20. The fixture 30 can be positioned in any portionof the housing 11, but it preferably supports the light source 16proximate the vertical surface 20. The light source 16 is therebypositioned optimally to direct a substantial proportion of the radiatedenergy onto the reflective surface and/or onto the projection surface.

[0060] The “reflective surface” can be any surface that reflects orthrows back light. In the insect trap 5 shown in FIG. 1, the reflectivesurface is the interior surface of the front wall 26, the interiorsurface of the side walls 25, the planar surface 20, and the ceiling(not shown). The light is reflected from the trap's angled reflectivesurfaces and onto the vertical projection surface. The projectionsurface is the surface which receives the reflected and/or radiatedlight from the light source. The projection surface may be a wall,ceiling, floor, column, etc.

[0061] The reflective surface may be located at a variety of places withrespect to the light's position. That is, the light source 16 can beabove the highest projecting portion of the reflective surface, can beat approximately the same height as the reflective surface, or can besubstantially below the high point of the reflective surface.

[0062] The insect trap's housing 11 can be manufactured in a variety ofways. The trap 5 can be molded as a single piece from thermoplasticmaterials or can be assembled from flat or substantially planarcomponents that are attached by commonly available fasteners to form theangled side walls 25 and the flat bottom 29. Once the housing 11 isassembled, the mounting hardware 10 attached to the housing 11, and theappropriate immobilization surface and light source 16 can be installed.The insect trap 5 of the invention can be hardwired in place, can beempowered using electrical cords, or can have batteries installed atavailable locations in the housing. The housing 11 is preferably madefrom commonly available structural materials including thermoplasticssuch as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate;metallic materials such as aluminum, magnesium or related alloys; woodor wood products; reinforced thermoplastics or thermosetting materials;paperboard, pressed paperboard, corrugated paperboard, and others.

[0063] The first embodiment of the insect trap 5 also contains an insectimmobilization means. For the purpose of this invention, the term“insect immobilization means” includes any device, surface or materialthat can cause the insect to die, or which prevents the insect fromexiting the insect trap 5 after entry. Such immobilization means caninclude pesticides in the form of a surface, layer or trap; active andpassive mechanical traps; liquid traps into which the flies becomeimmersed; adhesive layers; pressure sensitive adhesive layers; high orlow, D.C. or pulsed voltage electric grids; or other such means that cantrap, immobilize, kill or dismember the insect pests.

[0064] A preferred immobilization means for the purpose of thisinvention comprises an adhesive surface 12. The most preferred surfacecomprises a highly tacky, pressure sensitive adhesive substance 12 whichis attached to a cardboard base. One useful adhesive is a latex-based,plasticized tacky acrylic, ethylene-vinyl acetate or vinyl acetate basedadhesive containing UV-inhibitors made by the H.B. Fuller Company of St.Paul, Minn. Another useful adhesive is the Tangletrap adhesive made bythe Tanglefoot Company. Such an adhesive surface 12, installed withinthe housing 11 below the light source 16, is positioned such that when aflying insect enters through the top opening 27, the insect will come torest directly on the adhesive surface 12. In the preferred embodiment,the pressure-sensitive, adhesive surface 12 is positioned upon theinsect trap's bottom wall 29, below the light source 16 and opposite theupwardly facing opening 27. However, it is to be understood that theimmobilization means 12 could be positioned at any other place withinthe insect trap 5 so long as the adhesive surface is accessible toinsect pests. The immobilization surface and the immobilized insectpests should not be visible to persons in the vicinity of the insecttrap 5 when the insect trap is in its normal operating position. Theimmobilization means could be placed on the mounting surface as long asit is substantially concealed from casual viewers. An electrical ballast(not shown) can be placed in the housing 11 beneath the adhesive 12.

[0065] A portion of the housing 11 in FIG. 1 is cut away for purposes ofillustration, to show the dead insects upon the immobilization means 12.In the preferred embodiment, the adhesive sheet 12 is removable anddisposable, and a fresh sheet 12 is installed within the insect trap 5at appropriate intervals.

[0066] The immobilization surface 12 preferably extends across a portionof the bottom 29 or across the entire area of the bottom of the lighttrap 5. The immobilization surface also may be located on the walls 25,26 of the housing 11 and/or on the wall surface 20. In the preferredembodiment, the immobilization surface is a sheet of pressure-sensitiveadhesive 12. The adhesive board is changed periodically, as needed.Clear or pigmented white adhesives can be used to cooperate with thecolor of the reflecting surfaces of the angled housing walls 25, 26 toaid in directing reflected light onto the vertical surface 20. Theadhesive surface 12 could be fluted rather than flat, so as to increasethe available surface area for immobilizing the insects.

[0067] The trap 5 of this invention may include an optional insectattractant chemical. Insect attractant chemicals are typically organicmaterial that are at least somewhat volatile and are products arisingfrom typical insect food sources or are a pheromone or a mixtures ofpheromones. In the preferred embodiment, an insect attractant chemicalis incorporated into the adhesive which is utilized on the adhesivestrip 12. The chemical is preferably an oil-based food odorant or apheromone.

[0068] The insect trap 5 may also utilize an effective amount of aninsecticide. A variety of volatile and non-volatile insecticides andformulated insecticide compositions are known to be effective againstflying insects, and most can be used. However, the preferredinsecticides for use with this invention are nonvolatile formulatedinsecticide compositions that kill insect pests after contact. Suchnonvolatile pesticide compositions are not released into the environmentsurrounding the fly trap 5. Such materials include pyrethroid andorganophosphate insecticide compositions. The insecticide may be sprayedwithin the insect trap 5, and/or on the nearby projection surface. Thatis, the insect trap 5 could project light onto a wall or otherprojection surface, with that surface having an insecticide appliedthereon. After coming into contact with the insecticide, we have foundthat some of the insects would thereafter fly within the trap housing 11to die, while other insects would contact or ingest the insecticide, flyaround, and expire elsewhere.

[0069] The upwardly facing opening 27 of the insect trap 5 can invitemisuse in the form of materials or objects being thrown into theopening. In order to protect the trap 5 from such problems, a barrier tosuch misuse which does not prevent the entry of insects, and which doesnot interfere with the direct or reflected radiation of light from thetrap, can be installed on the upwardly facing opening 27. Such a barriermust substantially maximize the open area of the upwardly facing opening27 and provide a minimal entry barrier. The grid or screen (not shown)should have openings large enough to permit entry of insects but smallenough to exclude objects that are thrown or otherwise directed into theupwardly facing opening. Such a screen or grid can be made from avariety of materials including transparent or opaque materials. Suchmaterials include metallic wires, synthetic or naturally occurring fiberthreads, thermoplastic grids, expanded metal, wire screens, etc. In thepreferred embodiment, the grid is constructed to have openings which areat least approximately four square inches in area.

[0070] Preferably, the trap 5 is mounted directly on a vertical surface20 or ceiling surface, as depicted in the various Drawings.Alternatively, the trap 5 could be positioned adjacent a wall 20. Forexample, the trap 5 could be placed upon a shelf or table which is closeenough to the projection surface to create an illumination zone.Additionally, the trap could be mounted upon a portable support stand,so that insect trap apparatus would look similar to a conventional floorlamp.

[0071] Correct placement of the trap with respect to the projectionsurface increases insect capture through direct radiation of light andreflection of light onto the projection surface. The insect trap 5 isplaced adjacent the projection surface at a distance such that lightfrom the trap is radiated onto and/or reflected onto the verticalsurface 20 and/or the ceiling surface. The first embodiment of the trap5 is preferably wall mounted and placed within 30-50 inches of theceiling surface. The interior of the trap 5 may be white or anotherlight color, in order to increase the attractant light display that isproduced.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, an optional, additional shinyreflection means 28 can be utilized so as to optimize the attractantillumination created by the insect trap 5. In the first embodiment, theshiny reflection layer 28 preferably extends across the interior of thefront wall 26 of the trap's housing 11, as shown in FIG. 2. Thereflection layer is thus at the same angle as the angle of the frontwall 26.

[0073] The shiny reflection layer 28 can be made from metallic surfacessuch as aluminum foil, metallized polyester bright-white reflectedpanels, silvered glass mirrors or other related reflective surfaces. Theshiny reflection layer 28 may be positioned anywhere within the interiorof the insect trap 5, such as along the interior of the side walls 25and/or front wall 26, and/or along the planar surface 20. In addition,the shiny reflection layer 28 could be positioned on the bottom wall 29of the housing 11. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, theshiny reflection layer 28 is positioned upon the interior surfaces ofthe front wall 26, and it comprises an aluminum foil or metallizedpolyester surface.

[0074] The shiny reflection layer may also be a separate surface that isinstalled within the insect trap at an angle other than the angle of thehousing's wall. In other words, the front wall 26 of the housing 11could be at any arbitrary angle with respect to other housing componentsas long as the shiny reflection layer's internal surface is positionedat the desired angle. This feature is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 17, andis described below.

[0075] The color of the trap's housing 11 contrasts with the color ofthe adjacent vertical surface 20, so as to aid in increasing capturerates. In the preferred embodiment, the exterior walls of the housing 11are a tan color or darker, and the surrounding wall 20 is white.Alternatively, the insect trap 5 could be a white color, with theadjacent wall 20 being a tan color or darker.

[0076] The trap's mounting means can be any suitable mechanical systemthat can support the weight of the trap 5 and that can maintain theupwardly open entryway 27. The trap 5 can be fixed in place using avariety of mounting hardware such as screws, bolts, nails, clips,flanges, etc., or can be temporarily placed in the proper position usingVelcro fasteners, pressure sensitive adhesive pads, rubber feet, etc. Asan example, the mounting means 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprisesa bracket and screw device. The housing 11 can contain a flange, tab orhook that attaches to vertical surface 20 by means of fasteners such asscrews, nails, permanent structural adhesives, Velcro fasteners, etc.Additionally, the fly trap 5 can be suspended from the ceiling so as torest against the vertical surface 20 via suspending straps, cables,chains, etc. Alternatively, the attachment means can comprise anaperture in the housing 11 that permits the fly trap 5 to hang oncooperative hooks, protrusions or other suspension points on thevertical surface 20. The important characteristic of the mounting meansis that the trap 5 should be securely mounted on the vertical surface 20such that the vertical surface 20 receives a display of direct, diffusedand/or reflective light from the trap 5 in order to attract insects andincrease capture rates.

[0077] In the preferred embodiment, the base surface 29 is a separatepiece from the rest of the housing 11. The front and side walls 26, 25form an integral shroud 27. The shroud 27 has rear edges 72 which restagainst the wall 20 when the insect trap 5 is in operation. The basesurface 29 is mounted to the wall 20 in a permanent horizontal position.The rest of the housing 11 is pivotally mounted upon the bracket 30, sothat the shroud 27 can be moved upwardly into a position wherein theupper edges 71 of the housing 11 rest against the wall 20. In thisposition the interior components of the insect trap 5 are exposed. Thisfacilitates replacement of the adhesive surface 12, and replacement ofthe light sources 16.

[0078] The reflecting surfaces of the insect trap 5 should have acertain preferred geometry. The housings in the prior art havereflecting surfaces which have some capacity for insect attractancy, butthe prior art has primarily relied upon direct exposure to a light bulbto attract insects. We have found that direct exposure of the light isnot necessary for insect attractancy, and that an improved geometry ofthe housing can substantially and surprisingly increase the attractancyof flying insect pests.

[0079] The first, second, and third embodiments of the trap all have thesame configuration, depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, each of theembodiments has a different size, as specified below. The first, secondand third embodiments, the insect trap 5 has an upwardly facing opening27 and walls 25, 26 positioned at an angle α to the base surface of lessthan 90°. The angle is measured with respect to an extension line 95from the base surface 29; thus, when an angle is said to be with respectto the base surface, it is intended to mean with respect to the basesurface extension line which extends outwardly from the wall 20 andparallel to the base surface 29. The angle α is shown in FIG. 2. Theattractancy of such insect traps increases when the angle α is less than90°, and the attractancy peaks at an angle α of 45-75°, most preferablyabout 60° between the reflecting surface and the base surface extensionline 95 of the insect trap 5.

[0080] The first, second and third embodiments of the trap each hasplanar housing walls 25, 26. However, the housing walls can be planar,curved or have other decorative shapes. The angled surface can be thehousing's front wall, and/or its side walls. Such a slanted or curvedreflective surface reflects and displays the light from the light source16 on the vertical mounting surface 20 and/or on the ceiling in a highlyeffective pattern that can substantially increase attractancy andcapture rates. The curvature and/or slant to the housing's wall(s)results in an increased capture rate. This increase in attractancyresults partially from the increased size of the entry opening 27, andalso because the angle of the housing's reflective surface facilitatesthe optimum display of attractant light. The sloped or curved housingwalls also tend to prevent insects from simply walking around theoutside of the trap.

[0081]FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 are schematic views of the illumination zonescreated upon the wall by the insect trap. In these drawings, the wall 20is the projection surface. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an insect trap,showing the illuminated light footprint 32 which is created. We havefound that insects are attracted to the illumination zone 32 and thatmany insects initially alight upon the illumination zone before enteringthe insect trap. We have also found that a larger proportion of insectsalight on the bright zone 36 than on the remainder of the illuminationzone 32.

[0082]FIG. 3 is intended to represent any of the three embodiments 5, 33or 34. FIG. 4 illustrates the first, large embodiment 5; FIG. 5illustrates the second, mid-sized embodiment 33; and FIG. 6 illustratesthe third, small embodiment 34. Each insect trap 5, 33, 34 creates anillumination zone 32 on the wall 20 or projection surface. Theillumination zone is generally above the trap. (The trap 5 may alsocreate an illumination zone on the ceiling, but this is not illustratedin FIGS. 3-6 for purposes of clarification.) Part of the illuminationzone 32 is discernible as being a “bright zone” 36. The bright zone 36is the area on the wall where the light is most pronounced andnoticeable. Although FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate a clear boundary 73defining the bright zone 36, the boundary of the bright zone issubjectively defined, because the light is brightest near the lamp 16and then diminishes gradually until no further light or illuminationzone 32 can be discerned. The appearance of the bright zone 36 and theillumination zone 32 is more accurately depicted in the photographs ofFIGS. 16A and 16B. FIG. 16A is a photograph of the second embodiment ofthe insect trap and its illumination zone. FIG. 16B shows the same view,but it is marked up to show the subjective boundary 73 of the brightzone 36. As is shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a reduction in the insecttrap's size results in a reduced size of the illumination zone 32.

[0083] The following Table 1 shows the dimensions of the three trapsillustrated in FIGS. 4-6. The first embodiment is shown in FIG. 4; thesecond embodiment is shown in FIG. 5; and the third embodiment is shownin FIG. 6. TABLE 1 Size of Dimension of Dimension of First Second ThirdEdge Embodiment Embodiment Embodiment a 25.25 in. 19.10 in. 9.69 in. b15.25 in. 11.53 in. 5.82 in. c 12.00 in. 9.07 in. 4.50 in. d 10.25 in.7.76 in. 3.91 in. e 10.50 in. 7.94 in. 4.01 in. f 4.25 in. 3.21 in. 1.62in. Area of entry 258.8 in.² 148.2 in.² 37.9 in.² opening (ad)

[0084] The smaller sized insect traps 33 and 34 are advantageous becausethey can be positioned in a wider variety of locations as compared tothe first embodiment. Also, the smaller size makes these traps 33, 34relatively inconspicuous, which does not detract from the room'sinterior design features. Moreover, the smaller size allows for a directplug-in to an electrical outlet, thereby eliminating the need for a cordor allowing the use of a short cord. In the preferred embodiments 33,34, one or two nine-watt fluorescent bulbs may be utilized as the lightsource 16. The bulbs are approximately five inches in length, therebyallowing the insect trap 34 to be relatively compact.

[0085] The housing 11 of the trap can take a variety of shapes. Theinsect trap can be generally circular, oval, ellipsoidal, can be anextended shape having parallel sides and either rectilinear or curvedends, the trap can be triangular, square or rectangular, hexagonal,octagonal, etc. However, each trap configuration preferably has one ormore angled reflective surfaces for optimum reflection of light onto theprojection surface.

[0086] FIGS. 7-15 illustrate alternative embodiments of wall-mountedinsect traps of the present invention. These alternative embodimentsemploy various housing designs. Each housing is intended to be mountedto a wall or other vertical, planar surface. Each of the traps in FIGS.7-15 also includes a light source and mounting means, although theseelements are not illustrated for purposes of clarification.

[0087]FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment 37 of the insect's trap.The insect trap 37 has a rounded shape which is similar to a quarter ofa sphere. The interior, reflective surface is concave when viewed fromthe wall 20. The insect trap 37 has a substantially horizontal bottomsurface 47. The angle of curvature of the insect trap 37 (with respectto the horizontal) varies gradually between 0

at its bottom end to approximately 90

at the upper edge of the housing. Because the insect trap's housing iscurved, the angle of curvature may be determined with reference to atangent line taken along some point of the housing, with respect to ahorizontal extension line like the extension line 95 illustrated in FIG.2.

[0088]FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment 38 of the present invention.The insect trap 38 has a plurality of housing sections 48, 49, 50. Eachhousing section has a somewhat rounded shape which extends around toenclose the light source laterally. The interior reflective surface ofeach section 48, 49, 50 is concave when viewed from the wall 20. Thebottom section 50 has a bottom wall (not shown) which is substantiallyhorizontal. In the preferred embodiment, each of the sections 48, 49, 50is slanted outwardly from the wall, so that the angle of each section48, 49, 50 with respect to the horizontal base is less than 90°.

[0089]FIGS. 9 and 17 illustrate a sixth embodiment 39 of the insecttrap. The insect trap 39 is shaped like half of a cylinder, and theinsect trap 39 has a horizontal bottom surface 51. With the design ofinsect trap 39, the angle of the housing 52 with respect to thehorizontal base surface is approximately 90°. FIGS. 9 and 17 illustratethe use of a separate, planar reflective surface 76 which is at an angleα with respect to the horizontal base surface. The reflective surface 76may have an optional shiny layer thereon (not shown). The reflectivesurface 76 may have a curved configuration and/or may consist of severalangled surfaces.

[0090] A seventh embodiment 40 of the insect trap is illustrated in FIG.10. The insect trap 40 has a front, triangular shaped wall 53, on eitherside of which is a side wall 54, 55. The side walls 54, 55 are slantedin a “V” configuration. The angle of the front wall 53, with respect tothe horizontal is 90° or less. With this design, the immobilizationmeans may consist of a V-shaped adhesive sheet positioned proximate thecenter of the trap 40. Alternatively, a separate, horizontal surface(not shown) for support of the adhesive sheet may be provided.

[0091] An eighth embodiment 41 of the insect trap is illustrated in FIG.11. The insect trap 41 has a front wall 56 which curves outwardly fromthe vertical surface upon which the insect trap 41 is mounted. Theinsect trap 41 has a pair of side walls 57, 58 which also curveoutwardly, and a base 59. The interior, reflective surfaces of the walls56, 57, 58 are convex as viewed from the wall 20. With the insect trap41, the tangent curvature of the front wall 56 with respect to thehorizontal base surface 59 ranges from approximately 90° at the bottomend of the front wall 56 to approximately 60° proximate the upper edgeof the front wall 56.

[0092] The ninth embodiment 42 of the insect trap shown in FIG. 12 issomewhat similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11. However, theinsect trap 42 features a front wall 60 and side wall 61, 62 which havea continuous, planar surface, rather than convex surface. Each of thewalls 60, 61, 62 slants outwardly with respect to the planar surface 20upon which the insect trap 42 is mounted. In the preferred embodiment,the angle of the surfaces 60, 61, 62 is less than 90° with respect tothe horizontal base. The upper edge of the front wall 60 preferably hasa curved or domed configuration as shown in the drawing.

[0093]FIG. 13 illustrates a tenth embodiment 43 of the presentinvention. With this design, the insect trap's housing 63 is shaped likehalf of a cone. The bottom of the insect trap 43 terminates in a point74. With this embodiment, the angle of the conical housing wall withrespect to the horizontal is preferably approximately 45-75°.

[0094]FIGS. 14 and 18 illustrate an eleventh embodiment of the presentinvention, which is somewhat similar to the sixth embodiment illustratedin FIG. 9. The housing 64 of the insect trap 44 curves gradually outwardproximate the upper portion of the insect trap 44. The inner reflectivesurface of the housing 64 is convex proximate its upper edge. Asillustrated in FIG. 18, the front wall 64 has a gradual curvature, whichmay be measured by creating a tangent line 78 at an arbitrary point 79along the front wall 64. Preferably, the angles of the tangent linesproximate the upper portion of the wall 64 are less than 90

with respect to the horizontal, and more preferably approximately30°-75° with respect to the horizontal. The tangent line's angle is theangle between the tangent line and the horizontal, and this angle isdesignated as x in FIG. 18.

[0095]FIG. 15 illustrates a twelfth embodiment 65 of the presentinvention, which features a front wall 70 having a pair of slanted,inverted panels, and which has a pair of side walls 67, 68. The insecttrap 65 has an upwardly directed opening 75, but may also have anoptional bottom opening 69. With the insect trap 65, the angle of thefront wall's upper panel 66 with respect to the horizontal isapproximately 60°.

[0096] For the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7-18, it is to beunderstood that they have all the features described in detail withrespect to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. That is, each of theembodiments illustrated in FIG. 7-18 has a light source, mounting means,optional shiny layer, immobilization means, optional insect attractantchemical, optional insecticide, etc. Although each of the embodimentsshown in FIG. 7-18 is mounted directly to a vertical surface 20, it isto be understood that each of the traps could be mounted so as to bespaced away from the projection surface. In addition, each of the insecttraps could be mounted upon a portable or stationery support member.Each insect trap could also be mounted proximate the floor, preferablybehind another structure so that people would not be looking downwardlyinto the trap's upper opening.

[0097] The insect trap of the present invention could also be mountedupon a ceiling. FIGS. 19-24 show exemplary embodiments of an insect trapwhich is mounted to the ceiling 83, rather than to the wall 20.Referring to FIGS. 19-20, the thirteenth embodiment of the insect trap80 has a housing with side walls 86, a back wall 87 and bottom wall 84.The insect trap 80 may also have an upper wall, or the ceiling itself 83may form the upper wall of the insect trap's enclosure. The walls 86, 84form a lateral opening 82, which allows for the walking or flying entryof insect pests.

[0098] The insect trap 80 has one or more light sources 84 which arecontained within the insect trap's housing. The light source 84 directsillumination from the opening 82, thereby creating an illumination zoneon the ceiling 83 and/or on the wall 20, as shown in FIG. 17. Theillumination zone is effective in attracting insects into the trap 80.As noted above, the insects tend to alight initially on the illuminationzone. Further, we have found that flies alight on both the wallillumination zone and the ceiling illumination zone. The insect trap 80contains insect immobilization means, preferably an adhesive sheet whichis mounted to a vertical support member 85. Preferably, the insect trap80 is mounted within 50 inches of the wall surface 20. The insect trap80 is held on the ceiling by suitable mounting means (not shown).Preferably, the bottom wall 84 is angled downwardly, as illustrated inFIG. 17. The angle y of the wall 84 is preferably less than 90° from thebase surface, and more preferably approximately 30°-75° from the basesurface. This angle is designated as y. When stating that the angle y iswith respect to the base surface, the angle y is with respect to thebase surface extension line 96. The extension line 96 is a vertical lineif the base surface is vertical. The insect trap 80 may contain anoptional shiny reflective layer, insecticide, a chemical insectattractant, and the other features described above with respect to theother embodiments. Furthermore, the size and shape of theceiling-mounted trap 80 can be varied in many different ways, asillustrated above with respect to the wall-mounted units.

[0099] A fourteenth embodiment of the insect trap is illustrated in FIG.21. The insect trap 88 is mounted upon the ceiling 83 such that there isa lateral opening 89 which faces the wall 20. The housing 90 of theinsect trap 88 has a curved configuration like a quarter of a sphere,similar to the fourth, wall-mounted embodiment. The light source for theinsect trap 88 is a pair of ultraviolet lamps 91, which are mountedsuitably to the housing 90 or ceiling 83. A ballast compartment 92 isprovided. The interior of the housing 88 has a removable, shinyreflection layer 93, which has an adhesive coating 94.

[0100] A fifteenth embodiment of the insect trap is illustrated in FIG.22. The insect trap 97 has a lateral opening 89, which is formed by ahousing 98. The housing 98 has a vertical base surface 99, bounded by abottom wall 100 and a pair of side walls (not shown). The rectangularconfiguration of the housing 98 forms an angle y of 90 degrees, i.e.,the angle of the base surface extension line 101 with respect to thebottom wall 100. The interior of the bottom wall 100 supports a shinyreflection means 103. The vertical base surface 99 has an immobilizationmeans thereon, preferably an adhesive sheet 102.

[0101]FIG. 23 illustrates a sixteenth embodiment of the presentinvention. A portion of the insect trap 104 is mounted in a rectangularrecess 105 formed in the ceiling 83. The upper portion of the recess 105accommodates the trap's ballast compartment 92. Also within the recess105 are a pair of light sources 91. The housing 110 of the insect trap104 has a horizontal upper wall 106, a vertical base surface 107, and anangled bottom wall 108. The insect trap 104 is also bounded by a pair ofside walls (not shown). A shiny reflective layer 109 is applied to allof the housing's interior surfaces. The interior of the bottom wall 108has a suitable immobilization means, such as an adhesive sheet 111. Theangle y of the bottom wall 111 with respect to the base surface 107 ispreferably less than 90 degrees, and most preferably approximately 45-75degrees.

[0102] The seventeenth embodiment of the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 24. The insect trap 112 has a housing 113 whichforms a lateral opening 89. The housing has a vertical base surface 116,an angled bottom surface 117, and a pair of side walls (not shown). Inthis embodiment, the angle y of the bottom surface with respect to thebase surface is greater than 90 degrees. The interior of the basesurface 116 has a shiny refection layer 115, and the interior of thebottom wall 117 has a suitable immobilization means, such as an adhesivesheet 114.

[0103] As with the wall-mounted insect traps depicted above, theillustrated ceiling mounted embodiments are exemplary only, and changescan be made as to the configuration and placement of the insect trap'svarious components.

[0104] In an eighteenth embodiment of the invention as illustrated inFIG. 25, substantially all of the light from the light source 16 isdirected to the projection surface with no substantial contribution fromreflected light to form the insect attractant light pattern similar tothat shown in FIGS. 3-6, 16A and 16B. Referring to FIG. 25, theembodiment 200 in its simplest form is a light source 16 mounted in anelectrical socket 209 which is mounted on a base 201. A portion of thesurface 203 of the light source 16 is covered or masked with an opaqueor translucent material that restricts the emission of light from thelight source 16 to an unmasked surface 205. The trap 200 is placedproximate a projection surface, such as a wall or a ceiling, and thelight source 16 is oriented so that light is radiated directly from thelight source 16 to the projection surface to create an insect attractantlight pattern. An insect immobilization means 207 is positioned on thebase 201 proximate the light source 16. The location of theimmobilization means 207 is selected for optimum trapping efficiency andmay be varied based on actual catch rates. The immobilization means maybe affixed to the projection surface so that the insect attractant lightpattern forms on the immobilization means.

[0105] The embodiment shown in FIG. 25 does not require a housing. Theillumination area formed on the projection surface is from lightradiated directly from the lamp 16. However, a housing may be desirablefor aesthetic reasons if the trap is placed in an area accessible to thepublic.

[0106] The light source 16 shown in FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 is a linear,tubular fluorescent lamp 210 emitting a portion of its light in therange of 4000 Å to 400 Å or in the range 4000 Å-3000 Å. The lamp 210 canbe any convenient length to conform to the size of the trap. A length of18 inches is typically used. The lamp 210 has two end pins 207 toconnect the lamp 210 to the electrical socket 209.

[0107] The surface of the lamp 210 is partially enclosed by a covering203 along its length forming an uncovered surface 205. The uncoveredsurface 205 provides a means to direct substantially all of the lightradiated from the lamp 210 to a projection surface. The covering 203 maybe a coating such as the polymer sold under the trade name SURLYNavailable from DuPont Corp. The polymer coating may contain anopacifying agent such as a pigment. The coating may have sometransparency to light, but such light does not have sufficient intensityto form an effective insect attractant light pattern on a projectionsurface.

[0108] The covering 203 may also be in the form of a shroud 215 as shownin FIG. 28. The shroud 215 has an elongated, cylindrical shape with anopening or slot 217 forming an arc. The opening 217 runs the length ofthe shroud 215 resulting in a cross section perpendicular to the lengthhaving a crescent shape. The diameter D of the shroud 215 proximates thediameter of the lamp 210 so that the lamp 210 fits within the shroud215. The length of the shroud 215 proximates the length of the lamp 210.When the shroud 215 is fitted to the lamp 210, a portion of the surface203 of the lamp 210 is covered and a portion of the surface 205 isuncovered. Substantially all of the light is radiated from the lamp 210through the uncovered portion of the surface 205. The arc 217 formed bythe shroud 215 proximates at least about 50% of the circumference of thelamp 210.

[0109] The shroud 215 may be made from a flexible material such asplastic or metal. If the arc formed by the opening 217 in the shroud 215has diameter D slightly less than the diameter of the lamp 210, theshroud 215 will form a compression fit with the lamp 210. This permitsthe shroud 215 to be rotatably mounted on the lamp 210 to vary theposition of the insect attractant light pattern on the projectionsurface. Varying the position of the insect attractant light pattern maybe desirable for aesthetic or trapping efficiency reasons. Thecompression fit holds the shroud 215 in the desired position on the lamp210. The shroud 215 may optionally have perforations 211 to helpdissipate heat from the lamp 210. The size and location of theperforations 211 is not critical. However, they should not allowsignificant leakage of light away from the uncovered surface 205 of thelamp 210.

[0110] A nineteenth embodiment 220 of the invention is shown in FIGS. 29and 30. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1and 2 except that the embodiment in FIGS. 29 and 30 has one light source16 mounted near the opening of the housing 11. The light source 16 is alamp 210 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 having a covered area 203 and anuncovered area 205. The lamp 210 can be positioned to directsubstantially all light away from the housing 11 to a projection surface219.

[0111] A twentieth embodiment 225 is shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. Thisembodiment 225 is similar to the embodiment 220 shown in FIGS. 29 and 30except that the embodiment 225 in FIGS. 31 and 32 has two light sources16 mounted near the opening of the housing 11. The light sources 16 arelamps 210 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. The lamps 210 can be positioned todirect substantially all light away from the housing 11 to a projectionsurface 219. The invention is not limited to embodiments having one ortwo light sources, and may have more than two light sources.

[0112] Embodiments 200, 220 and 225 are shown with linear, tubular lightsources 16. However, the invention is not limited to a light sourcehaving a particular shape. FIGS. 33 and 34 show a U-shaped fluorescentlamp 230 having a base 221, end pins 223 for electrical connection and acovering 229 along its length forming an uncovered surface 227. The lamp230 may be mounted in embodiments 200, 220 and 225 in place of lamp 210.It is understood that an appropriate electrical fixture 30 for receivinga U-shaped lamp is provided. Lamps and brackets are commerciallyavailable from numerous sources.

Experimental Section

[0113] In the development of the insect traps of the invention, asubstantial body of work was conducted to discover the insect trapgeometry that would provide peak capture rates for flying insects. Wefound that insect pests enter the trap either by alighting on the walland/or the ceiling, and then entering the trap by walking; or by flyingdirectly into the insect trap and alighting on the first availablesurface. We have found that using either mode of entry, the most likelydirection of entry will be downward vertically into an upwardly facingopening, or horizontally into a lateral opening. Accordingly, we havefound that it is highly desirable to avoid placing any substantialbarrier in the flying insect trap that would prevent such entry. Thelight source should not be substantially obscured by any portion of thehousing. Any grid or screen installed in the housing should have minimalbarrier properties.

[0114] We have found that an effective insect attractant light patterncan be displayed on a projection surface by directing to the surfacesubstantially all of the light from a lamp. We have also found that theuse of a contrasting color, generally a darker color, for the exteriorof the trap housing, as compared to the color of the vertical surface,increases capture rates.

[0115] Capture rate experiments were performed to demonstrate theadvantages of displaying an insect attractant light pattern proximatethe trap. The results are summarized in Tables 2 to 6. These experimentswere performed using an insect attractant light pattern from acombination of light directly from the light source and a diffuseddisplay of reflective light. An insect attractant light pattern fromdirecting substantially all light from the light source according to theeighteenth and nineteenth embodiment of the invention is expected todemonstrate similar results.

[0116] In conducting capture rate experiments, the fly traps of theinvention are installed in an appropriate location in a room havingwhite walls and ceiling, 50% relative humidity, a temperature of 80° F.,insect food, competing fluorescent lights, and a density ofapproximately one fly per each 10 cubic feet of room space. This densityequals 160 flies being released into the room at the outset of eachexperiment. The fly density was optimized to reduce statistical noise inexperimental results. The mean data represent the mean number of fliescaptured per each one half hour. A prototype trap was installed in theexperimental room in order to determine the impact on capture ratesresulting from trap modification including the opening of the trapfacing in a variety of directions. Traps were installed with openingsupwardly directed, downwardly directed and horizontally directed.Statistically significant differences between the upwardly “open”configuration and all other configurations which are called “closed”were found (Table 2). The “closed” configuration indicates a trap havinga bottom or side (horizontally directed) opening. The use of an upwardlyfacing opening had a strong increase on mean capture rates and resultedin greater than a 40% increase in fly capture rates when a trap havingan upwardly facing opening was installed on a vertical surface. The“control” experiment in the following tables comprises a flat bottomhousing for supporting the adhesive, but having no side walls tosurround the exposed bulbs. TABLE 2 Top Entry Configuration ReplicatesMean* Std. Dev. Open 12 23.083 6.067 Closed 12 16.417 5.017 Control 422.000 4.163

[0117] Table 3 displays mean capture rates measured in flies per halfhour and shows that a contrasting dark color significantly increases thecapture rates for the fly trap installations. In these experiments, thewalls and ceilings were white, and the trap's housing was either whiteor tan. These data show that significantly more insects (greater than34%) are attracted to a contrasting color in the housing exterior. TABLE3 Trap Color Replicates Mean Std. Dev. White 27 19.4 5.4 Tan 12 26.0 5.8

[0118] An experiment was also conducted to determine the effect on catchrates of different sizes of traps. Three different sized insect trapswere tested, having the linear dimensions a-f shown in Table 1 above.The first embodiment is the large insect trap 5, the second embodimentis the mid-sized trap 33, and the third embodiment is the small trap 34.A single, nine watt UV bulb 35 was utilized as the light source in eachtrap, and the bulb 35 was horizontally mounted beneath the upper edge ofthe trap's housing. The room had normal illumination provided by ceilingfixtures. Each insect trap was wall-mounted. The experiment wasconducted nine times to arrive at the below insect catch rates. The sizeof the illumination zone was determined by marking the apparentillumination boundary on the wall, and then measuring the illuminatedwall area. Table 1 sets forth the dimensions for the first, second andthird embodiments of the insect traps. TABLE 4 First Second ThirdArea/Catch Embodiment Embodiment Embodiment Area of entry 258.8 in.²148.2 in.² 37.9 in.² opening (ad) Area of full 1593 in.² 821 in.² 339in.² illumination zone Flies caught 13.00 (9) 16.44 (9) 10.70 (9) per1/2 hour

[0119] The general expectation would be a significant reduction incapture rates for the smaller units. More specifically, one would expectthat as the area of the entry opening decreases, and as the area of theillumination zone decreases, the capture rate would decreaseproportionately. One would also expect that as the size of theillumination zone decreases, the capture rate would decreaseproportionately. However, our experiments have shown that the smallersized units' capture rates are higher than expected. Table 4.

[0120] The improvement in the catch rate for the second embodiment was121% (i.e., the actual catch rate as compared to the expected catch ratebased upon the relative sizes of the entry openings) and 145% (i.e. theactual catch rate as compared to the expected catch rate based upon therelative sizes of the illumination zones).

[0121] The improvement in the catch rate for the third embodiment was466% (i.e., the actual rate as compared to the expected catch rate basedupon the relative sizes of the entry openings) and 282% (i.e., theactual catch rate as compared to the expected catch rate based upon therelative sizes of the illumination zones). To summarize, thesmaller-sized traps 33, 34 showed a reduced catch rate as opposed to thelarge trap 5, but the catch rate for the smaller units 33, 34 wassignificantly higher than expected.

[0122] As discussed above, a smaller insect trap is desirable forreasons of aesthetics and convenience of placement. The above data showsthat the smaller units, even the third embodiment having an entryopening of only 38 square inches, effectively capture a large number ofinsects. Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present inventionwould have an entry opening of less than approximately 175 squareinches.

[0123] An experiment was also conducted to determine the relativeeffectiveness of a wall-mounted insect trap and a ceiling-mounted insecttrap. Table 5. For this experiment, the first embodiment of the insect'strap was utilized, being mounted first on a vertical wall, and thenbeing mounted upon a horizontal ceiling. Two twenty-five watt UV bulbswere utilized as the light source in the trap, and the bulb washorizontally mounted within each trap's housing. The room had normalillumination provided by ceiling fixtures. The experiment was conductedwith only one trap mounted in the room at a time. The experiment wasconducted two times for each unit. To begin the experiment, 160 flieswere released into the room (i.e., one fly per ten cubic feet). Theimmobilization means utilized in each unit was an adhesive sheet: ahorizontal adhesive sheet in the wall-mounted unit, and a vertical sheetin the ceiling-mounted unit. TABLE 5 Embodiment Average number of fliescaught Wall-mounted trap 122.5 Ceiling-mounted trap 137.0

[0124] These data illustrate that the wall-mounted trap andceiling-mounted trap are approximately equal in their effectiveness incatching insects. The difference in the average number of flies caughtby each unit was not considered to be a statistically significant.

[0125] While the above specification, data and figures provide a basisfor understanding the advantages of using the disclosed geometry inilluminated insect traps, many embodiments of the invention can be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure herein. Forthat reason, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

We claim:
 1. A trap for insect pests comprising: (a) a base; (b) a lightsource mounted on the base providing insect attractant light such thatsubstantially all of the insect attractant light from the light sourceis directed to a projection surface to form an insect attractant lightpattern; and (c) an insect immobilization means.
 2. The trap of claim 1wherein the light source is a lamp.
 3. The trap of claim 2 wherein thelamp is one or two fluorescent lamps.
 4. The trap of claim 2 wherein thelamp is an incandescent lamp.
 5. The trap of claim 1 wherein the lightsource is a light emitting diode.
 6. The trap of claim 1 wherein thelight source is an array of light emitting diodes.
 7. The trap of claim1 wherein the light source emits radiation in the range 3500 Å to 4000Å.
 8. The trap of claim 1 wherein a coating on the light source directssubstantially all of the light to the projection surface.
 9. The trap ofclaim 8 wherein the coating comprises a polymeric coating.
 10. The trapof claim 9 wherein the polymeric coating comprises a pigment.
 11. Thetrap of claim 8 wherein the coating is opaque.
 12. The trap of claim 8wherein the coating is translucent.
 13. The trap of claim 1 wherein ashroud proximate the light source directs substantially all of the lightto the projection surface.
 14. The trap of claim 13 wherein the shroudis flexible.
 15. The trap of claim 14 wherein the shroud comprisesplastic or metal.
 16. The trap of claim 14 wherein the shroud has anelongated shape and a crescent shaped cross section.
 17. The trap ofclaim 14 wherein the shroud is rotatably mounted on the light source.18. The trap of claim 17 wherein the shroud forms a compression fit withthe light source.
 19. The trap of claim 13 wherein the shroud forms acover for a portion of the surface of the light source.
 20. The trap ofclaim 19 wherein a portion of the surface of the light source isuncovered.
 21. The trap of claim 20 wherein light from the uncoveredsurface of the light source is directed to the projection surface. 22.The trap of claim 21 wherein light forms an insect attractant lightpattern.
 23. The trap of claim 1 wherein the insect immobilization meanscomprises a lethal surface.
 24. The trap of claim 1 wherein the trapadditionally comprises an insect attractant chemical.
 25. The trap ofclaim 24 wherein the attractant comprises a pheromone.
 26. The trap ofclaim 23, wherein the insect immobilization surface comprises anelectrified surface lethal to insects.
 27. The trap of claim 1 whereinthe insect immobilization means comprises an adhesive surface installedon the base.
 28. The trap of claim 1 wherein the trap is portable.
 29. Atrap for insect pests comprising: (a) a base; (b) a light source mountedon the base providing an insect attractant light, the light sourcehaving a surface partially covered such that substantially all of theinsect attractant light from the light source is directed to aprojection surface to form an insect attractant light pattern; (c) awall attached to the base to form a housing enclosing the light source;and (d) an insect immobilization means.
 30. The trap of claim 29 whereinthe light source is a lamp.
 31. The trap of claim 30 wherein the lamp isone or two fluorescent lamps.
 32. The trap of claim 30 wherein the lampis an incandescent lamp.
 33. The trap of claim 29 wherein the lightsource is a light emitting diode.
 34. The trap of claim 29 wherein thelight source is an array of light emitting diodes.
 35. The trap of claim29 wherein the light source emits radiation in the range 3500 Å to 4000Å.
 36. The trap of claim 29 wherein the covering is a coating.
 37. Thetrap of claim 36 wherein the coating comprises a polymeric coating. 38.The trap of claim 37 wherein the polymeric coating comprises a pigment.39. The trap of claim 36 wherein the coating is opaque.
 40. The trap ofclaim 36 wherein the coating is translucent.
 41. The trap of claim 29wherein the covering comprises a shroud.
 42. The trap of claim 41wherein the shroud is flexible.
 43. The trap of claim 41 wherein theshroud comprises plastic or metal.
 44. The trap of claim 41 wherein theshroud has an elongated shape and a crescent shaped cross section. 45.The trap of claim 41 wherein the shroud is rotatably mounted on thelight source.
 46. The trap of claim 45 wherein the shroud forms acompression fit with the light source.
 47. The trap of claim 46 whereinthe shroud forms a cover for a portion of the surface of the lightsource.
 48. The trap of claim 47 wherein a portion of the surface of thelight source uncovered.
 49. The trap of claim 48 wherein the lightradiated from the uncovered surface of the light source is directed tothe projection surface.
 50. The trap of claim 49 wherein the light formsan insect attractant light pattern.
 51. The trap of claim 29 wherein theinsect immobilization means comprises a lethal surface.
 52. The trap ofclaim 29 wherein the trap comprises an insect attractant chemical. 53.The trap of claim 52 wherein the attractant comprises a pheromone. 54.The trap of claim 51, wherein the insect immobilization surfacecomprises an electrified surface lethal to insects.
 55. The trap ofclaim 29 wherein the insect immobilization means comprises an adhesivesurface.
 56. The trap of claim 29 wherein the trap is portable.
 57. Thetrap of claim 29 wherein the wall has a tangent at an angle of about 90°from an angle of the base surface.
 58. The trap of claim 29 wherein thewall has a tangent at an angle of less than about 90° from an angle ofthe base surface.
 59. The trap of claim 29 wherein the wall has atangent at an angle of about 45°-75° from an angle of the base surface.60. A method for capturing insect pests comprising the steps; (a)providing the insect trap of claim 1; (b) mounting the insect trap on asurface; and (c) directing substantially all of the in sect attractantlight from a light source to a projection surface proximate the insectimmobilization means to form an illumination area.
 61. The method ofclaim 60 wherein the mounting surface is a horizontal surface or avertical surface.
 62. The method of claim 61 wherein the verticalmounting surface is a wall.
 63. The method of claim 61 wherein thehorizontal mounting surface is a ceiling.
 64. The method of claim 60wherein the projection surface is a horizontal surface or a verticalsurface.
 65. The method of claim 64 wherein the vertical projectionsurface is a wall.
 66. The method of claim 64 wherein the horizontalprojection surface is a ceiling.
 67. A method for capturing insect pestscomprising the steps; (a) providing the insect trap of claim 29; (b)mounting the insect trap on a surface; and (c) directing substantiallyall of the insect attractant light from a light source to a projectionsurface proximate the insect immobilization means to form anillumination area.
 68. The method of claim 67 wherein the mountingsurface is a horizontal surface or a vertical surface.
 69. The method ofclaim 68 wherein the vertical mounting surface is a wall.
 70. The methodof claim 68 wherein the horizontal mounting surface is a ceiling. 71.The method of claim 67 wherein the projection surface is a horizontalsurface or a vertical surface.
 72. The method of claim 71 wherein thevertical projection surface is a wall.
 73. The method of claim 71wherein the horizontal projection surface is a ceiling.
 74. The methodof claim 67 wherein the projection surface is a mounting surface.